Alabama QB Keelon Russell Impresses in Spring Scrimmage

Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams-Coleman praises Russell's performance: 'It feels like you're playing a video game'

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:35pm

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A conceptual cubist illustration depicting the fragmented, multi-angled movements of a college football quarterback in the midst of throwing a pass, the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette.Alabama's quarterback competition heats up as Keelon Russell's standout spring scrimmage performance leaves the Crimson Tide with an intriguing decision to make.Duncanville Today

In Alabama's spring scrimmage, sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell put on an impressive display, completing 21 of 33 passes for 240 yards and 4 total touchdowns. Wide receiver Ryan Williams-Coleman praised Russell's performance, saying 'It feels like you're playing a video game when 12's in.' The quarterback battle between Russell and Austin Mack to replace Ty Simpson will continue through the summer and fall camp, but Russell's standout scrimmage has turned heads.

Why it matters

The Alabama quarterback competition is one of the key storylines heading into the 2026 season, as the Crimson Tide look to replace the departed Ty Simpson. Russell's strong showing in the spring scrimmage suggests he may have the edge over Mack in the battle to be the starting QB, which could have major implications for Alabama's offense and their hopes of competing for another SEC and national championship.

The details

In the spring scrimmage, Russell got nine drives and completed 21 of 33 passes for 240 yards and 4 total touchdowns (1 rushing). The lone blemish was an interception. Meanwhile, Mack went 12-for-101 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. Head coach Kalen DeBoer said no final decision has been made, with summer and fall camp still to factor in, but Russell's performance has certainly turned heads.

  • The spring scrimmage took place on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Keelon Russell

A sophomore quarterback at the University of Alabama who is competing to be the Crimson Tide's starting QB in 2026 after the departure of Ty Simpson.

Ryan Williams-Coleman

A wide receiver for the University of Alabama who praised Russell's performance in the spring scrimmage, saying 'It feels like you're playing a video game when 12's in.'

Kalen DeBoer

The head football coach of the University of Alabama, who said the quarterback competition between Russell and Austin Mack will continue through the summer and fall camp.

Austin Mack

A quarterback at the University of Alabama who is competing with Keelon Russell to be the Crimson Tide's starting QB in 2026.

Ty Simpson

The former starting quarterback for the University of Alabama who has departed the program, leaving an open competition for the job in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“It feels like you're playing a video game when 12's in.”

— Ryan Williams-Coleman, Wide Receiver, University of Alabama

What’s next

The quarterback competition between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack will continue through the summer and into fall camp, with head coach Kalen DeBoer saying no final decision has been made yet.

The takeaway

Keelon Russell's standout performance in Alabama's spring scrimmage has put him firmly in the mix to be the Crimson Tide's starting quarterback in 2026. While the competition with Austin Mack will go on, Russell's ability to make plays and impress his teammates like Ryan Williams-Coleman suggests he may have the edge heading into the summer and fall.